Background: A new, bigger engine has necessitated a slight name change for the top-selling vehicle in the upscale Lexus lineup. The first-generation RX 300 debuted in 1998 after making its world introduction at the Chicago Auto Show to rave reviews. It’s best described as a crossover between a station wagon and sport utility vehicle with car-based underpinnings making it a more on-road vehicle than an off-road adventurer. An all-new, 3.3-liter V-6 powertrain replaces a 3.0 version in the 2004 model year, thus the name change from the RX 300 to RX 330. This second-generation incarnation also includes a power rear liftgate and almost 6 more inches in length. The new and improved 2004 version went on sale in late March. The RX 330 is part of Lexus’ three SUV strategy that also includes the mid-size GX 470 and full-size LX 470, both of which are more suited for off-road adventures with eight-cylinder power. Lexus builds the RX 330 in Ontario, Canada. It’s the first Lexus vehicle ever built on the North American continent. About 75,000 units projected for sales in the 2004 model year. Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota, Japan’s largest automaker.
Engine and trim level: The sole engine is the all-new 3.3-liter, 24-valve, V-6 that now generates 230 horsepower, up from 220 in 2003. However, shoppers do get to select from front-wheel or all-wheel drive as in year’s past. The standard automatic transmission is linked to an all-new five-speed type, replacing the four-speed version. Mileage estimates for four-wheel drive editions check in at 18 miles per gallon city and 24 m.p.g. highway. Front wheel drive editions bump up miles per gallon by two in both categories. The fuel tank holds 19.2 gallons of regular unleaded fuel. As with just about every Lexus product, precious little engine noise seeps into the driving compartment for a very quiet ride in city or highway travel.
Standard equipment: The eight-speaker AM/FM stereo system includes both a cassette player and compact disc player. Also standard are power rack-and-pinion steering, power windows, adjustable steering column, power locks, heated power outside mirror, cruise control, dual climate control with air conditioning, eight-way power driver seat and four-way power passenger seat.
Pricing: Lexus dropped off a full-time, four-wheel drive model to the Daily Herald with a starting price of $36,425. With extras including a towing package, eighteen-inch tires, heated front seats, rear entertainment system and navigation system, the bottom line ended up at $46,808 including at $575 destination charge. A front-wheel drive edition starts at $35,025. Starting prices for both models are actually a few hundred dollars less than their 2003 counterparts. Chrysler introduces an all-new crossover vehicle of its own in the 2004 model year, the Pacifica, also available in front wheel or all-wheel variations. The lowest priced front-wheel drive model starts at $30,550. The 2003 Acura MDX wagon-SUV crossover comes in all-wheel-drive exclusively and a $35,770 beginning price. A Buick Rendezvous checks in at $25,795 for a front-wheel drive model. An all-wheel drive six-cylinder BMW X5 starts at $39,500. The BMW is the only one of the mid-size crowd with an available eight-cylinder engine.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 106.9 inches
Overall length: 186.2 inches
Overall height: 66.1 inches
Overall width: 72.6 inches
Curb weight: 4065 pounds
Interior: In addition to the overall length being stretched six inches, the wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) has been lengthened almost four inches, contributing to a more spacious interior. The RX 330 continues as a five-passenger vehicle with no third row seating offered. Several other recently introduced luxury mid-size size crossover competitors including the Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX, Chrysler Pacifica and Buick Rendezvous offer a third row either as an option or standard. Leather seating comes standard in the RX 330. When ordering the optional in-dash navigation system, riders get treated to another visual marvel. A small video camera, mounted in the rear area sends a signal to the in-dash screen when the transmission shifts into reverse. So when pulling out of a parking space or driveway, a moving color picture of what’s behind the vehicle gets fed into the in-dash screen for front passengers to see. This is a great idea that will probably be showing up in rival models soon. Also when in reverse, the left side-view mirror automatically tilts downward when the transmission is in reverse, and moves back into position when "“drive” is engaged. A stand along digital clock is directly below as is the stereo system. Secondary volume and station-changing buttons are located on the steering wheel. The RX330 includes the automatic transmission gear shift positioned on the lower middle dashboard rather than directly on the floor or the steering column’s right side. This is a nice design carry over from last year. Burled walnut trim surrounds the transmission and shift knob and accents are also found on the door. Doors and dashboard also have a two-tone gray pattern. The optional, full-color navigation system screen is built into the middle dashboard. Navigation systems have come a long way since their arrival some five years ago and this one is relatively user friendly and easy to figure out. The only gripe is that two ventilation functions (fan speed and direction) are accessible only by utilizing the touch screen. A “climate” menu selection along the bottom of the screen calls up some climate functions for screen usage. There is a separate toggle button on the side of the screen for moving the temperature up and down; two more buttons for fan speed and direction added to the side would make things move along faster. Headlights turn on and off from the turn signal stalk. Wipers activate from a right-hand side stalk. A square stub also extends from the right side of the steering column with all cruise control functions. The instrument panel features three deep set compartments with backlighting. The center circle includes the speedometer while the right side compartment has a secondary gear shift indicator, fuel gauge and temperature readouts. A tachometer compartment flanks on the left. Power mirrors are controlled from a square pad on the far left side of the dashboard. Underneath is a button opening the fuel door. The driver’s door is where power window and lock controls are located. The parking brake is foot operated. In between the front bucket seats are two side-by-side beverage holders with a retractable cover. In the second row, seat backs fold down relatively flat with a 60/40 split on top of the seat cushions. When a middle arm rest folds down, back seat riders have access to dual beverage holders and a storage bin. Floor-mounted ventilation vents jet out from the middle of the front bucket seats limiting leg room in back. For those opting for the rear DVD player, the discs feed from the second row near the floor and a small rectangular screen flips down from the ceiling. Like most other design, when the screen is down, it shows up in the driver’s rear view mirror. Map pockets in front pull forward for extra storage capacity.
Exterior: The longer wheelbase benefits entry and exit to the second row. Back doors are positioned in front of the rear tires creating a larger door and wider entry angle than smaller SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Forester. Visually, the RX 330 has borrowed some cues from Lexus’ limited-production sports sedan, the IS 300. All four doors have body-color, strap-like handles. Side view mirrors are also body colored and the “breakaway” variety that bend in if brushed against. The square, locking fuel door is on the left rear fender. In front, tri-angle-shaped headlight housing flanks a waterfall-patterned grille with the Lexus “L” logo in the middle. The front windshield is large and slopping while the hatchback window is smaller than most SUVs. The power hatchback, hinged at the top also opens manually from the bottom. A spoiler rests atop the rear door. The full-size spare tire stows under the vehicle and rotates down when needed. The jack is stored in a compartment under the flat cargo floor. Several other compartments are available for storage as well in the cargo area.
Warranty: The RX 300 includes a basic warranty of four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). The drivetrain is covered for six years or 70,000 miles. Roadside assistance is four years with unlimited miles while the rust/corrosion warranty is covered for six years with unlimited miles.
Safety features: The RX 330 includes a nice array of air bag safety features including depowered front air bags, front and rear side curtain air bags, driver’s knee air bag and seat-mounted side impact air bags. Other safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, theft deterrent system, daytime running lights, stability control, brake assist and energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Final thoughts: The RX 330 shares some vehicle underpinnings with the mid-size Toyota Highlander that debuted two years ago. While Highlander offers the choice of a four or six-cylinder engine, the V-6 exclusive RX 330 is much more upscale and posh. Power rear liftgates have been showing up in some larger upscale SUVs including the Lincoln Navigator, much to the delight of drivers. The RX 330 power liftgate is a welcome edition. When it debuted in 1998, the RX 300 represented one of the first luxury wagon/SUV crossover vehicles and set the standard for the industry to follow; and follow it did. Acura, Buick, Volvo and Chrysler all have introduced versions of their own. Lexus has done nothing to alienate first-generation RX 300 enthusiasts from the newly introduced RX 330. Both ride smooth with a quiet interior with exterior styling that has been imitated by other SUV rivals. Bottom line, the second-generation is bigger in size and engine strength. |